West Tyrone MLA Declan McAleer has welcomed the restart of the Curraghinalt Goldmine Public Inquiry next week, saying it will give local people an important platform to make their views heard.

The inquiry is set to reconvene in Omagh next Monday following a 15-month adjournment.

Mr McAleer said: "Over recent years there has been strong and sustained community opposition to the planning application by gold-mining company Dalradian Gold to construct a goldmine and processing plant in the Sperrin Mountains, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. "More than 50,000 objections have already been submitted, reflecting the very real concerns within local communities about the potential environmental and social impact of this proposal.

"There was significant disappointment and frustration when the Public Inquiry was adjourned in January 2025 after just three days. As it reconvenes next week, it is important that the process now proceeds without any further delay and is brought to a timely conclusion.

"Sinn Féin has made a detailed submission to the Inquiry outlining our opposition to the planning application, and our representatives will continue to engage actively with the process in the months ahead."